The U.S. continues to threaten Iran as a potential target for the "war against terrorism." On January 29, White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs responded to a question about the use of force against Iran by underlining Barack Obama's position that he will "preserve all his options," in dealing with Iran.

In the context of continued threats of force, the Obama administration is calling on Iran to give in to U.S. pressure by entering into "dialogue." In a January 26 television interview Barack Obama declared he will “use the power of American diplomacy to pressure Iran to stop their illicit nuclear program, support for terrorism, and threats toward Israel.”

On Wednesday January 28, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that before Iran could believe the U.S. is serious about "dialogue" and "engagement," the U.S. would have to stop making threats.